Pub in London SW1
Golden Lion
25 King Street, London, SW1Y 6QYClosest station: Green Park, about 7 min walk4.2out of 5 on Google, from 791 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Golden Lion
Classic pub with small stained glass panes, wooden interior and fox hunting-themed decor.
The delightfully ornate imitation Jacobean Baroque narrow frontage of this pub appears squashed between the drab monolithic giants on each side, but it faces the more pleasant prospect of Christie's auction rooms across the road and displays some of their old posters inside.
The present pub was rebuilt in 1900 and features part panelled walls, an attractive back bar and interesting tiles on the gantry over the bar itself. Curious white antler chandeliers are presumably a more modern addition. The upstairs ‘Theatre Bar’ and dining area is furnished with memorabilia from the former St James's Theatre which stood next door between 1835 and 1957.
There is an interesting menu of hot dishes as well as snacks, sharers and sandwiches, all at prices considered reasonable for the area. The handpumps generally offer a couple of beers from the Greene King range and one from another brewery; but as at late 2022 there were reports of non-availability of cask ale at certain times. Further updates welcome.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Outdoor Seating: Covered and heated pavement tables on side
- Family Friendly
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant: Upstairs
- Real Ale
- Cask Marque
- Function Room: Upstairs restaurant can be reserved
- Events: Quiz every Wed at 7pm
- Disabled Access
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Smoking: Pavement
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 10:30 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Greene King
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7925 0007
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.2out of 5 on Google, from 791 ratings
5 out of 5Atlason Google, April 2024
Second stop on a mini pub crawl in the Piccadilly area, the sun was shining so we opted to sit outside as there were a couple of tables free. The pub is on a nice quiet street considering its proximity to Piccadilly. Service was quick and there were typical Greene King prices, decent beers on tap, including Aspall which my partner loves.
1 out of 5Thomas Carteron Google, September 2024
Had a table booked for food we arrived the bar staff completely uninterested in serving us or communicating. We found our table no one came to ask us if we wanted drinks or food. When we went downstairs to order we were told bluntly that there would be a 30 min delay on any food we ordered. The pub was not busy and looked like no one else was eating. We decided to leave and go elsewhere. Felt like they didn’t care or want to do the job.
3 out of 5Paul Lavinon Google, April 2024
Great pub for the beer assuming you can get served and are okay paying a Kings ransom for a half pint. Filled with loud hooray Henrys. Interesting food menu...
5 out of 5Christopher Smolenon Google, January 2023
Incredible fish and chips, go now, you won’t regret it. Staff was great, super friendly, and fun to chat with. Bathrooms are a bit sketchy but that’s every pub I went to. If you’re looking for an easy cocktail to put back and want it to taste really sweet, get the Pink cocktail. Otherwise you can’t go wrong with that Guinness, comes in half as well instead of a pint, all the beers do 👍 Kids can eat there before 7pm and then not after.
1 out of 5Eve Shillingfordon Google, August 2024
Bad experience. They said they we were being loud when we literally weren’t that loud. I’ve worked in pubs for years and never punished people for talking. They refused to serve us an hour before closing but seemed like they just wanted to go home tbh. They stacked up the drip trays at least an hour before closing. Saying we were rude. Of course we were stunned and a bit pissed off. Never seen anything like it.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.